At approximately 05h00 this morning the first passengers using the airport’s new central terminal building (CTB) checked-in from the new consolidated check-in area.

The new central terminal building is a five storey building which combines the check-in process for both International and Domestic passengers – this means that all departing passengers now move through one check-in area as apposed to two different ones, as in the past. At a cost of R1.6 billion the CTB significantly enhances the airport’s capacity. With 120 check-in counters, 20 self service check-in machines and a consolidated security screening point, the CTB covers an area of 50 000m2.

“ Over the past few months the airport team has been working very hard to ensure a smooth transition from the old terminal to the new one. It has taken much collaboration between Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the airlines, the government agencies, retailers and the entire value chain – as an airport community, we are extremely proud of the new terminal”, says Deidre Hendricks, Communications Manager, ACSA: Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).

Not only has the check-in facilities been enhanced, but the retail facility has almost doubled, moving from 44 retailers and restaurants to 74, bring brands such as Ocean Basket, Woolworths, Steers, and a Spur of 1000 m2, seating up to 500 people, which will be the biggest in the Western Cape, to the airport. The CTB boasts a new R103 million baggage sortation system that operates 3000 bags per hour and is fully automated as well as additional passenger loading bridges – a first for Domestic users.

To facilitate vehicular movement at the airport, the road network is also undergoing an upgrade. The new drop off road is now situated right in front of the terminal building. The entire road network project will be completed in March 2010 at a cost of R120 million.

“On hand to assist our passengers as they orientate themselves are a host of ACSA employees and 80 temporary staff which have been employed especially for this. We know that the changes may disorientate airport users – this is why we have gone out of our way to assist airport users. It’s been a rather busy morning for everyone – both passengers and airport staff as we all become accustomed to the new processes”, says Hendricks.

“Airport users are asked to play their part and to please add an extra 30 minutes onto their travel time. The airport has changed and it is important that you give yourself sufficient time to move through all the process”.

This does not mark the end of construction at the airport and the next few months will still be full of activity. Other projects to be completed in March 2010: